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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tavannes, Switzerland

Tavannes Watch Co.

Partially verified

Watches and movements for export

History

A large Swiss maker whose movements were widely sold in North America, including under the Cyma name.

Major innovations

    Known markings

    • 'Tavannes Watch Co.'

    Serial numbers

    This archive holds no verified serial-number table for this maker. Do not date a piece from its serial number alone; use case hallmarks, movement construction, trade directories and documented comparison examples.

    Collecting significance

    Originality of dial, hands, case and movement is the main consideration. Confirm that the movement belongs to the case and that the dial has not been refinished, and record what is verified separately from what is inferred.

    Diagram

    top plate or bridgespillar platebalance and cockwheel train between the plates
    Schematic: plate and bridge layout. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

    Sources & references

    1. Kathleen H. Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers 1775–1975
    2. Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World
    3. Mikrolisk trademark and maker index
    4. Published trade directories and period material catalogues

    Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.